Branden James was 34 and from Chicago when he came to America’s Got Talent. He said singing had always been his dream, and his mother was there in the audience to support him.
He explained that the hardest thing he had overcome was simply learning to be himself. He grew up in a very conservative family with traditional values, and he is openly gay. His parents let him know that they did not approve, and he said that was very painful. His mother admitted they have great differences, but said all she can do is keep showing her love and wish him a wonderful future.
On stage, he told the judges he was a tenor, an opera singer. One judge reacted with an uh oh. Branden said what makes him special is the passion with which he sings 🎭.
Then he began, and his powerful voice filled the theater. Heidi said she felt that passion and had goosebumps all over her body. Howie admitted that when he heard the word opera he expected the worst, but when Branden started singing he thought it was incredible.
Howard asked to see his mother and told her she should be very proud, because her son was not only a wonderful talent but would inspire people far beyond the show. All the judges said yes, and one of them told Branden he was stupendous and had made him cry ❤️.
